CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS
The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.
The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait. This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:
| PASSION | APPRECIATION | PREPARATION | SELFLESSNESS | GRIT | ACCOUNTABILITY |
| SPORTSMANSHIP | HUMILITY | COMPETITIVENESS | HONESTY | CARING | CONFIDENCE |
| COMPOSURE | TOLERANCE | COURAGE | POSITIVE ATTITUDE | SERVICE | ENTHUSIASM |
| LEADERSHIP | DETERMINATION | CHARACTER | EFFORT | COMMITMENT | TEAMWORK |
| DESIRE | WORK ETHIC | COACHABLE | TRUST | FOCUS | GOOD JUDGEMENT |
| PERSEVERANCE | INTEGRITY |
Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Lynden High School!
LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL
Courage
Madelyn Honcoop (Lynden)
This year, Madelyn Honcoop has shown tremendous courage in joining the swim team for the first time as a junior. Stepping into a brand-new sport takes bravery, especially on a team that’s still growing in recognition, but Madelyn didn’t let that hold her back. From the start, she brought determination, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn that quickly set her apart. In just one season, she has become one of our top freestyle sprinters and a valued member of the team. We’re so excited to see where her high school swimming journey takes her next!
Positive Attitude
Luke Van Berkum (Lynden)
Luke Van Berkum is the gold standard for positive attitude on Lynden’s Cross Country team. Despite distance running being one of the most painful and mentally taxing sports to compete in, Luke consistently shows up with a smile and a quick-witted joke to lighten the mood. When Luke is around, the mile cut downs become a little easier and what seemed daunting and impossible before suddenly seems a little more possible. His hard work and positive attitude inspire his teammates and we couldn’t be more proud to call him a Lynden Lion.
